Gemotions

The silence in the gallery was deafening. Elena shifted uncomfortably, feeling the gaze of everyone present – especially her rival, Marco, who was beaming with pride. They were both showcasing sculptures for a competition, but his, it turned out, was eerily similar to hers.

Her chest felt tight, constricted. She wanted to scream. She’d always considered herself a visionary, an innovator. Now, she felt a profound sense of… failure. Her hands were clenching and unclenching, as if trying to grasp something that was just out of reach. She began to trace the lines in the floor with her foot, not wanting to look anyone in the eye.